by business editor Trevor Sturgess

A charity that cares for children and young people who have suffered cruelty and neglect is to set up a skills training centre after reaching its £750,000 fund-raising target.

The Caldecott Foundation, based in Smeeth, near Ashford, was founded in 1911 and set the target in its centenary year.

The Centenary Appeal aimed to help Caldecott's older children learn workplace skills in a range of fields such as construction, car mechanics and hair and beauty with the intention of helping them move into independence and employment for a happier, fulfilled life.

BTEC training will be provided in a fully equipped construction workshop and hair and beauty salon. A second offsite training unit to teach car mechanics will also be established with courses starting in September 2013.

The money was raised through numerous local and national fundraising activities and events, as well as donations from businesses, charitable trusts and foundations, including a single gift of £195,000 from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.

Clive Lee, the foundation's chief executive (pictured above right), said: "This is an incredible achievement and the investment will provide our young people with an outstanding environment in which to learn, grow and acquire the essential life skills for their role in society.

"Our objective is to ensure they have a real chance of a happy and successful future, avoiding the cycle of addiction, homelessness, crime and severe mental health problems, suffered by so many care leavers."

The new fund will also improve supported accommodation, helping older children make a successful transition from care to full independence, equipping them with life skills such as budgeting, shopping, personal presentation, preparation for the workplace and the confidence to thrive in their new environment.